Hi Bonnielee,
I have the same belief. You must know which words to use at the appropriate time.
Patricia
One area that I continuely try to imporve on, deals with which words I use to convey a concept. I am a firm beleiver that it is not what you say but how you say it. I try to improve each new class start.
agreed, I set the standards day one and never waiver on my commitment to excellence. Walk softly and carry a big stick, I have fun in my class but do not hesitate to put a halt to disruptive or unacceptable behavior ( consistency is a MUST ). This lead by example approach seems to work well in building honor, pride, and professionalism.
Hi Susan,
Preparation is key! Students can quickly tell when you are unprepared, which can ruin your reputation.
Patricia
Make sure that you have prepared for your lectures. When first teaching, it is best to overprepare for the material to make sure that you will be able to cover it all.
Hi Instructor Scales,
I make sure that I take the time out to carefully plan my work. I also go over it to make sure that I eliminate errors or mistakes.
Hello Detra,
I believe that it is all in the planning! This is an essential part of my strategy.
Hi Wendy,
You are right! We expect a lot out of our students, therefore, we should model the same behavior. "Practice what you preach."
Patricia
For me, being well-prepared helps me avoid mistakes. Making the wrong copies or forgetting an important tool while demonstrating can be embarrassing...especially if it happens consistently. The expectation is that all students are prepared every day, so this behavior needs to be modeled. When embarrassed, it is natural to make excuses which can diminish an instructor's credibility, so a little extra preparation can reduce mistakes and maintain student respect.
Stick to the material, don't deviate to personal issues, keep yourself as the instructor, not a friend.
State what you are going to discuss, discuss it, and then state what was discussed (summarize), give timely/adequate/substantive/specific feedback and be supportive and encouraging, yet maintain ethics and integrity in your teaching standards and equity for all.
Hello Patricia,
I believe making sure one leaves personal stuff at the door, share with students one experience so they are confident in one expertise, learn names of each student quickly, and be organized at all times.
Preperation is key to avoiding mistakes, You never know which way the questins will lead the discussion. To error is human to repeat the error is on you! so I always try to improve. Judging the students reaciton to what I have done and getting more clear in my communication or my actions. I also ask the students for feedback. I am open to honest feedback, as uncomfortable as it may be.
Rebecca
Hi George,
I can tell you teach to your course objectives. Great points indicated!
Patricia
Hi Robert,
The instructor is the autoritative figure. Control the classroom.
Patricia
First, by being aware of what they are. We cannot assume that, as instructors, we will automatically be aware of the pitfalls associated with the beginning of a class.
Next, stop and think about what is going on around you in your class, including yourself as a part of it. People can become reactionary if not careful, which can lead to the mistakes we're all tying to avoid.
To quote a line from a movie, "When you're in command, then command.". This does not mean to be harsh, it simply means that the instructor has the responsibility and the authority to operate their class in an appropriate manner.
Have clearly defined educational goals for every session. Prepare content, delivery, learning activities and assessments all geared to the objectives. Still, however, be open for student directed learning based on their background. Allow for how the points relate to their past, present educational and professional needs and of course their vision of how they will apply their learning to their future. Connect educational objective with students rationale for why they should learn it. This will alleviate creating trouble in class and accomplish the purpose.
prepare and over-prepare; always have something extra just in case there is time
Hi Allen,
Preparation is key!
Patricia
Hi Jacqueline,
What great advice to give to an inexperienced instructors. Seasoned instructors love for inexperience teachers to pick their brain.
Patricia
Hi Chelsea,
Continue to strive for the best. I am a 21-year veteran in the profession and occasionally I'll make a mistake too. They will happen, take it all in stride.
Patricia
